These stories are part of a student Solutions Journalism (SOJO) Capstone Reporting Class at East Tennessee State University in Fall 2025, covering the long-term recovery of Hurricane Helene in Cocke and Unicoi counties.  

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Using SOJO methods, reporters focused on community responses, exploring whether these responses are working, who benefits, while providing evidence and insight on effectiveness, and what challenges and limitations remain. 

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The stories were developed through listening sessions with residents, community organizations, and local leaders affected by hurricane recovery efforts in Northeast Tennessee. 

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As part of the community-engaged aspect of the project, students used Cortico, an AI-assisted conversation analysis platform, to help organize and analyze community conversations gathered during reporting. Journalists independently verified information, conducted interviews and made all editorial decisions.

 

An ETSU community engagement grant funded this disaster recovery journalism project. Editorial decisions remained independent, and funders had no role in reporting or publication decisions.